Madison Ave. Church of The Brethren

Even activities around Church seem not to have slowed any for the Summer. Though one Board meeting got canceled, several others seemed to slip in in its place. Most of what we are doing is vital, necessary - all for a good reason. But still, I think most all of us miss the opportunity to take a more leisurely pace.

I read an article recently that caused me to slow down and make a quick assessment of the work and ministry here at MACOB. I think it says a lot about the focus of ministry in a congregation. Check out the list and see where you think we stand:
Some churches have parking problems; some churches wish they did
Some churches have kids running around making a lot of noise; some tend to be very quiet.
Some churches have more expenses than money; some don’t need to spend much money because not much is happening.
Some churches are growing so fast you don’t always know everybody’s name: in other churches everyone has known everyone’s name for years.
Some churches enthusiastically and generously support missions; some keep all their money at home.
Some churches are filled with tithers; some are filled with tippers.
Some churches evangelize; other churches fossilize.
Some churches are always planning for the future; some live only in the past.
Some churches seek new ministries and new methods; some churches don’t want to.
Some people pray for their churches, some people never quite get around to praying.
I encourage you to take time - often - and pray for the mission, ministry, congregation, and future of MACOB, and become an active part of that exciting work.
  vBible Challenge Questions
1. According to Scripture, why are so many different gifts given to God’s people for ministry?
2. Paul clearly gives us instructions on why we should be actively working, not idle or stealing, but doing something useful for all. For what purpose are we to be gainfully employed?
3. Paul lists the “armor of God” available to all Christians in Ephesians 6. What is the only offensive weapon included in the list?
 Annual Conference Report
I traveled by plane to Des Moines, IA with the Pastors Godfrey for Annual Conference 2006. I had been to several conferences before but always in the company of Kim, Treva, Ruth, Cathy, and others. As your delegate this year, however, I was on my own. I had decided not to pester the Pastor and his wife, so I spent meals, business time and even free time with new folks, meeting people and making new friends. That’s part of the fun of conference. I met a family from VA the first night and had a great time with them. I also met an older couple who had come with three grandchildren for the conference. They were grandparenting at Conference, appreciative of the many children’s activities run by the conference organizers. There really is something for everyone.There is so much to do and see at AC. The insight sessions are so varied and informative. They are designed purposely to teach a variety of topics to inform us about what should be going on - both in the Church and in our culture. Many are structured to help us better love, support, and grow the Church community. I attended as many as I could squeeze in between the business sessions. The one I enjoyed most was the one titled “Bearing another’s Burdens,” presented by the Emergency Response/Services Ministries. It was of special interest to me since Kim, Carol, Don, and I participated in the Disaster trip to Pensacola. Among the slides shown at the sessions was one of a gray bearded man working on a wall, behind whom was another man standing in a joint compound bucket. I had to laugh when I saw it, because I knew it was Don Kauffman there in the bucket. I guess the folks around me must have wondered what I thought was so funny.

Being involved in the business side of Conference is a real learning experience for anyone, and I learned a lot about our denomination and the many ministries we are involved in through our support of General Board. The committees formed to do the work of the Church are made up of very dedicated and qualified people and need our support and commendation. And the leadership of our denomination are truly dedicated, qualified, and committed to the Church and its mission. A lot of thought, time, and preparation go into Annual Conference, whether it’s securing the Conference site, or aligning the insight session, or setting up the concerts, children’s and Youth activities, the choirs, and Worship services, setting the theme and a hundred other things that make up conference.
The theme this year was “Together - Exercise Daily in God” and it was aptly chosen because of all that we did. We walked, we prayed, we sang, attended sessions, concerts, business, and worship. We walked, and slept, and walked some more. We truly exercised daily - physically and spiritually.
The Worship services are always a highlight of the conference experience. There is usually one that will stand out as super special, but this year, two of them made a huge impression on me. Myrna Long Wheeler spoke about some powerful family dynamics in her life with an unchanging, crusty old father and her daughter that was really powerful and moving. The most dynamic sermon, however, had to be the one delivered by Dennis Webb, Pastor of the Naperville, IL COB. You just had to be there for that service. Everyone was on the edge of his seat; you could feel the energy and power of the Spirit that night. And the music - 3000 people together is a sound to behold
There is a lot of information relative to Conference on the table in the Fellowship Hall. I hope you’ll check it out. And I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. The Pastor purchased a wrap-up video and a DVD of the five Worship services. You may view those as well to get a feel for the conference. But far and away the best way to experience Conference is to be there. And I would encourage any of you who ever get the opportunity to do just that. It’s in Cleveland, OH next year. It is an unforgettable learning, growing, and worshipping experience.        
Sandy Hinkle
 

Dear Church Family & Friends
You are invited to a 70^th anniversary
Homecoming reunion/picnic
for Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
on Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27, 2006.
For Saturday, a picnic is planned beginning at 2 p.m. with hot dogs and barbecue,
carry-in side dishes and desserts.  There will be games for children and adults – including a cake walk, and the day will end with a concert on the lawn by our praise team and Brandon Grady’s group, Out of the Darkness.
On Sunday, we would like to emphasize the congregation’s history during the worship service and honor former pastors and recognize charter member families.  After the service a light lunch will be provided.  Throughout the weekend photographs and other memorabilia will be displayed.
We hope to see you there to celebrate 70 years of worship and service at Madison Avenue
Called to Teach ?
Are you being called to teach? We expect to have more students in the nursery and senior high classes this fall. We need teachers for Sunday School for both groups. Please listen for God’s prompting as you pray for the Christian Ed program
Becky Rishel, Christian Ed Chair
 

Answers to Bible Challenge
1. to prepare God’s people for works of service; to build up the body of Christ (Eph.4:12)
2. that we may have something to share with those in need (Eph. 4:28)
3. the Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word - the Bible) (Eph.6:17)
 Parents & Grandparents and Friends! Don’t forget that the Worship service on the last Sunday of every month includes a Children’s Story Time. This is an opportunity for the kids to participate in a Worship activity designed just for them.
 

Special Note: “Thanks to all in the congregation for your cards and prayers.” from Ralph Eichelberger
 Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee has begun their work of prayerfully seeking members willing to serve on Church Board and in other capacities of leadership within the Church. We ask two things of each of you: first, that you be in prayer for us as we seek to discern who God may be preparing and calling into positions of leadership, and second, that if you are asked to allow your name to be put in nomination or on the ballot for one of needed positions, that you carefully - and prayerfully - consider that God may be calling you to serve in some new or different or special way. We believe that God has given each one of us a spiritual gift(s) to be used for the work of His kingdom here on earth.
Please consider that God may be calling you to use your gift in a new and vital way for the health and growth of this congregation.
Is God calling you? He may be - through the nominating process of this Nominating Committee.
 

Christian Education News
Bible School - “Treasure Island” - was a great success! Manv thanks to all the volunteers and staff who helped in the many various aspects of offering a bit of our faith to those who have little to no contact with the Bible and aspects of faith. At least twenty congregation members contributed their ingenuity and efforts to this outreach to twenty children.
 

                                           
Child of God
Treva Daisy, child of God                              We’d come away feeling blessed –
Sweet the sound of your name;                      Inspired by how well you’ve done;
Oh, how we shall miss you -                          Saying Reed would be proud of you –
It will never be the same.                               The way in which you’ve moved on.
 

Sharing your gifts with others -                                  Entering now your heavenly home-
Like some goodies, a cup of tea;                                With a smile and by God’s grace;
Served in a beautiful china cup-                                 Met there by your friends and kin -
How refreshing it would always be.                           Seeing Jesus now face to face.
 

Generous in so many ways -                                      I am sure that if you could -
Always giving to the Lord;                                         There’d be cookies and some tea -
For to miss a visit with you -                                      Served in your best china cup -
We could surely ill afford.                                         As you kneel at Jesus’ knee
                                   Written by the Lord & Angel 6/27/06 in memory of Treva Daisy Snyder
 Women’s Fellowship News           
August 1         Meeting/Prayer Group 9 am
August 28       Brethren Home Volunteer Day            9 AM
(continued next page)
We had a good day delivering 210 Health Kits to New Windsor Service Center on Tuesday, July 11^th.  Eight ladies made the trip, enjoying a visit to the International gift Shop and lunch at Baugher’s Restaurant. Thanks to all who gave so generously to put these kits together and ship them.
           Our outreach included $100.00 to Camp Eder, $100.00 toward the heifer,     Flame, and another $100.00 was toward the heifer in memory of Treva Snyder. She so generously supported us financially.
August Worship Schedule
8/13    9:00 AM          Sunday school
10:15 AM       Worship           “Equipped - together”                          Ephesians 4:1 - 16
8/19    7:30 AM          Men’s Prayer breakfast
8/20    9:00 AM          Sunday school
10:15 AM       Worship           “Getting it together”                             Ephesians 4:25 – 5:
8/27    9:00 AM          Sunday School
           10:15 AM        Worship           “Dress Code”                                       Ephesians 6:1- 20
                       Licensing service for Brandon Grady during Worship
 August Birthdays
August 1              Kerry Gingerich             13           Wanda Linebaugh                              19           Jim Staggers

August 2              Joe Petrosky                                  Brenda Hess                                         20           Jo Ellen Craig

August 4              Robin Gleim Stahl                         Helen Melhorn                                                     Ruth Sallade

August 5              Joyce Spangler               14           Russell Miller                                        22           Tara Seasock

August 6              Austin Ort                       15           John Loucks                                         24           Sheryl Billet

August 7              John Baugher                  16           Elizabeth Kauffman                             26           Jessica Witmer

August 8              Jacob Snyder                                  Robin Ness                                            August 9              Paul Ritchey, Jr               17           Jim Bohn

                              Karen Spangler                18           Dennis SpanglerAugust 11            Jack Craig                                        DannyFlinchbaugh